Who is James Talarico, the Christian Democrat once backed by Barack Obama facing scrutiny for following adult content creators?

Texas state representative James Talarico, a Democrat running for the US Senate and a self-described “devout Christian,” is under scrutiny after reports surfaced that he followed multiple po*n stars, OnlyFans models, and escorts on Instagram.

According to a report by the New York Post and Axios, Talarico’s verified Instagram account follows at least ten accounts belonging to women identified as porn actors, OnlyFans creators, or listed on escort websites.

What James Talarico did

Axios reviewed the list of accounts followed by Talarico and found that he interacted with several adult content creators. Earlier this year, he “liked” posts from an Austin-based woman who has both an OnlyFans account and a profile on EscortBook.com, a website that bills itself as the “#1 content management system in the escort industry.”


While the photos he liked did not contain nudity, since Instagram restricts explicit images, some of the accounts he follows are also linked to adult platforms such as OnlyFans, DatingPornstar.com, and EscortState.com. These accounts often include provocative images and links to explicit content, though not all identify their owners as adult film performers.

James Talarico’s response

“The social media team, including James, follows back and engages with supporters who have large followings and does not investigate their backgrounds,” Axios cited Talarico’s spokesperson, JT Ennis. The outlet noted that most of the accounts followed by Talarico have at least 50,000 followers.

The New York Post report said that Talarico had liked posts by one of the women and exchanged brief messages with OnlyFans model Alice Greczyn after she tagged him in an Instagram story. A screenshot released by his campaign shows Talarico replying, “Thank you, Alice!” to which Greczyn responded, “Thank YOU! Really appreciate your work. It heartens me to see there are politicians like you.”

Who is James Talarico?

James Talarico, 35, is a Democratic state representative from Texas known for blending Christian values with progressive politics. A former middle school teacher, he has drawn national attention for speeches on faith and equality.

Talarico has previously described Jesus Christ as a “radical feminist” and once told a Texas House hearing that there are six “biological sexes.”

James Talarico endorsed by Barack Obama

Earlier in an undated video posted in October, former US President Barack Obama praised Texas State Representative James Talarico, calling him a “really talented young man.”

Obama highlighted Talarico’s grounded nature and strong moral compass, saying that leaders like him stand out because they “know what they really believe.” He added, “A guy like him, his starting point is, ‘Let me say what I believe.”

Obama noted that such conviction and integrity are increasingly rare in public life, describing Talarico as someone who “walks the walk, not just talks the talk.”